Region sees advances in wildfire preparedness

Jeff Ristine

San Diego County is better prepared for fighting major wildfires than it was in 2007, officials say, but they still are counting on the public’s cooperation before and during any emergency to maintain top efficiency.

San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Javier Mainar said mutual-aid plans, communications, and air support all have improved since 2003 and 2007, when infernos whipped by Santa Ana winds caused widespread devastation. Fire agencies should be able to respond to emergencies in neighboring jurisdictions more quickly than before, he said.

But budget cuts have left the area with fewer resources than last year to fight fires, both locally and through mutual-aid arrangements, Mainar said, and the county again is heading into fire season amid dry, worrisome conditions.

Speaking from a canyon in Marian Bear Memorial Park with steep walls in front and behind him, Mainar said a recent check of 100 homes along the rim showed about half needed to take steps for better brush management.

“You can imagine the challenges of trying to protect the community as a fire is roaring up one of these hills,” said Mainar, part of a group of fire, forestry and weather officials brought together to call attention to the need for preparedness.

The region learned in 2003 and 2007 that firefighting agencies north of San Diego County frequently are unable to assist in a catastrophe due to their own emergencies, Mainar said. Since them, greater emphasis has been placed on improving mutual-aid closer to home.

Firefighting agencies across the state are publicizing a personal wildfire action plan called “Ready, Set, Go!” to emphasize the need for advance planning and to obey any evacuation orders as soon as they are issued.

“When we say it’s time to go,” said San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne, “we don’t have time to argue.”